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Stirling initiative praised at its half-way point - Calum MacDonald
21/08/1998
The Stirling Initiative's fifth Annual Review was launched by Scottish Housing Minister Calum MacDonald today, along with the Partnership's new three year business plan which aims to attract over £110 million of new investment to the area.
Speaking at Argyll's Lodging in Stirling, where he cut a cake using the Wallace sword to mark the Initiative's fifth birthday, Mr MacDonald said:
"The Initiative's considerable achievements to date are the direct result of the unflagging commitment of the partner organisations who have made sure that that Stirling's needs were clearly identified and resources used to maximum effect. Their efforts have helped protect and enhance the unique character of this historic town.
"The remaining five years of the Initiative's life promise to be no less challenging than the first five. Exciting new opportunities for economic development, visitor attractions and social and leisure facilities are being developed at Forthside and Station Square.
"Work is already underway to produce a development strategy for business in the traditional town centre and to examine the scope for the revitalisation of the Tollbooth, the Smith Art Gallery, and John Cowane's House. The new business plan also looks at housing and the provision of new family homes at Riverside and the refurbishment of more empty tenements.
"I believe the people of Stirling can look forward with great confidence to a period of continued investment and expansion into the 21st century."
BACKGROUND
1. The Stirling Initiative was set up in 1993 with the aim of establishing Stirling as a centre of economic growth and a tourist destination of international stature within ten years. The Initiative is chaired by The Scottish Office, and the partners are Stirling Council; Forth Valley Enterprise; Historic Scotland; Scottish Tourist Board; Argyll, The Isles, Loch Lomond and Trossachs Tourist Board; and Scottish Homes.
2. The Initiative has a planned life of ten years.
News Release: 1672/98
20 August 1998